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    I really don't know what to call this… I'm a noob

    Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved Hardware
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    • N
      nikhilooga
      last edited by

      Hello!

      So, I have a bit of a complicated problem. First, I couldn't port forward my minecraft server, as do not have my modem bridged. I dont have it bridged simply because there is no Wi-Fi coming from the pfsense router. My setup is as follows: modem > pfsense router > switch. I have an Apple airport extreme lying around, which is what I upgraded from.

      So, here's where I am a bit confused. Should I install a Wi-Fi card in my pfsense box? Should I use the airport router as an access point (also, how?)? I have been told that both of those things are bad ideas.

      What do you guys think?
      Any help is much appreciated!

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      • S
        s_mason16
        last edited by

        A pure Wireless Access Point (WAP) would be best. I just use my old Wireless Router. If you are able to config the airport at all through some sort of login in page in your browser, usually getting there by entering a local IP address. (192.168.1.1 or 10.0.0.1). On my netgear router I can turn off DHCP (because PFsense is doing that now) and use it just to route wireless devices.

        I have it plugged right into my pfsense system, i had enough ports and just had to assign the connection as a LAN. I haven't had to forward any ports yet, so I don't know about that part, sorry.

        hope this gets you started.

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        • stephenw10S
          stephenw10 Netgate Administrator
          last edited by

          Using the airport as an access point is what I'd do. I don't see an issues with that. I think some Airport (router) models actual had an Access Point only mode.

          https://doc.pfsense.org/index.php/Use_an_existing_wireless_router_with_pfSense

          Steve

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          • DerelictD
            Derelict LAYER 8 Netgate
            last edited by

            Airport Express units make OK access points, probably at least as good as whatever is built into your ISP router. And you get dual radios for US$99.

            Just plug it into your LAN and use the airport utility:

            Wireless: "create a wireless network" (Set your SSID/Network Name, WPA2 passphrase, etc)
            Network: Router Mode: Off (Bridge mode).

            Then, after saving, I think you have to move the connection to your network to the WAN port on the airport. idk the WAN + LAN ports might be bridged and it doesn't matter.

            Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
            A comprehensive network diagram is worth 10,000 words and 15 conference calls.
            DO NOT set a source address/port in a port forward or firewall rule unless you KNOW you need it!
            Do Not Chat For Help! NO_WAN_EGRESS(TM)

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            • N
              nikhilooga
              last edited by

              Okay, I have bridged my modem, and I think I'm just gonna go out and buy something.  Should I go with an access point, or should I go with a power line adapter?

              Thanks!

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              • DerelictD
                Derelict LAYER 8 Netgate
                last edited by

                A powerline adapter will not get you Wi-Fi. If you need Wi-Fi your airport should be fine.

                I have not had much luck with the powerline gear.

                Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
                A comprehensive network diagram is worth 10,000 words and 15 conference calls.
                DO NOT set a source address/port in a port forward or firewall rule unless you KNOW you need it!
                Do Not Chat For Help! NO_WAN_EGRESS(TM)

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                • R
                  rnatalli
                  last edited by

                  @stephenw10:

                  Using the airport as an access point is what I'd do. I don't see an issues with that. I think some Airport (router) models actual had an Access Point only mode.

                  https://doc.pfsense.org/index.php/Use_an_existing_wireless_router_with_pfSense

                  Steve

                  That's how I use my airport.  You simply set Router Mode to Off (Bridge Mode) and it passes everything to the pfsense box.

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